It was less than six years ago, yet it seems more like a lifetime.

In September, 1997, Kerry Mayo opened the scoring in a 2-2 'home' draw for Albion against Peterborough.

That Third Division match, in the early stages of the Seagulls' two-season groundshare with Gillingham, attracted just 1,215 fans.

The circumstances will be rather different when Mayo returns to the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

He will emerge from the away dressing room this time and will be greeted by 1,300 visiting supporters in a bumper crowd at a spruced-up ground.

The journey to Kent, via four motorways, will be a sentimental one for Mayo.

With Gary Hart suspended, he is the only survivor of the days when Albion players made the trip once a fortnight instead of once a season.

This time the experience will be one to enjoy rather than endure.

"It used to be pretty much like an away game, an hour and a half on the motorway," Mayo said.

"I drove up with Gary Hobson. We used to car share because he was based in Rottingdean.

"We took it in turns and we used to car-share with a few of the other lads as well, like Stuart Tuck and Ross Johnson, meeting up at the Black Lion at Patcham, so it wasn't so bad after a while.

"You could have a kip for half-an-hour if one of the others was driving and we had time to eat before we left.

"That's pretty much the same as when we have a pre-match meal at 11 o'clock or a quarter to 12 now. It gives you the time for it to digest.

"It became a routine, but going up there and back every other week was frustrating, especially when a club of this stature should have its own ground in Brighton.

"The trip up there will be strange, seeing the same roads and motorways. The last time we were there was for a friendly and they have done the stadium up since then.

"When we were playing there it wasn't the best. It was a Conference ground really with a new stand down the side.

"Now they have got stands all the way round, apart from behind the goal. It looks and feels different.

"Our supporters will be singing their hearts out, because we get great away support. It will be great to play there in the nice stadium that it is now with a big crowd."

The fact that Mayo will be involved at all emphasises he is an exception to a rather depressing rule.

The versatile defender, now in his seventh season as a pro, has risen through the youth ranks to make more than 200 League appearances for Albion under eight different managers.

You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times that has happened, so why haven't Albion produced more of their own first team regulars down the years?

"I find that really hard to answer," Mayo said. "Maybe some players are stronger than others mentally.

"I've not got the best skills in the world, but I give it 110 per cent when I cross that white line. I just put it down to hard work on the training ground, enjoying every day I'm out there playing football with the other lads and just getting on with it.

"There's a lot of dedication in there as well. I've had a lot of knockbacks from various managers, but I've kept going to force my way back into the side. I am going to keep trying to play well and enjoying my football as long as I can."

Mayo, 25, has two more seasons left on his contract after this one. His long-term goal is a testimonial at Falmer, but the immediate task is helping the Seagulls retain First Division status. He has been ever-present since Steve Coppell took charge and has now resumed the left wingback role after a successful stint as a central defender.

Mayo, joint leading marksman in the first year of Albion's groundshare with Gillingham, hit a crucial winner against Derby in November to take his career tally into double figures.

It was remarkable how often he popped up inside the Millwall box at Withdean last Saturday.

"I don't mind where I play as long as I play," he said. "I do like to get forward and get crosses in or get on the end of crosses myself."

At least Mayo won't have a certain rampaging winger to occupy him on Saturday. He has been used to marking Tony Rougier in past clashes against Reading. Loan ranger Rougier is expected to make his full debut against the Gills and Mayo is relieved he can now refer to him as a team-mate.

"He's definitely a player you would rather have on your side than be marking," Mayo said. "He's a terror! He puts himself about and makes it really hard for defenders.

"I've played against him a few times. He's strong and quick and he's going to do a good job for us."